Talkback

A study by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) revealed that more than 43 per cent of Malaysian drivers use their mobile phones while driving.

What do you think of this shocking statistic?

I don’t find this shocking. Using mobile phone while driving has become accepted as the norm. Just look around you when you’re driving. Some drivers have their phones practically glued to one hand!

ZARINA NIK

I’m guilty of it myself, especially when stuck in traffic. I would use my phone GPS. Most of us can’t avoid that. I’m sure taxi and ride-hailing car drivers are very dependent on their phones. What’s the solution? Hands-free kit can keep your hands free, but it doesn’t keep your mind from being distracted.

STELLA LUI

Now that we know the statistics, can we focus on the next important point — what are we going to do about it? Obviously issuing the offenders summons is not cutting it anymore. The authorities should mete out harsher penalties.

GANGAN

My only surprise is that the number is not higher. I see it all the time when I’m on the road. There should be better enforcement to stop this menace.

JOYCE TAN

So in other words, almost half of Malaysian drivers are knowingly putting their lives and the lives of other road users in danger.

This is unacceptable. What measures are in place to stop this dangerous behaviour?

IKHBAL SINGH